Twelve young photographers have been selected to come together with a group of masters for the 17th annual World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass to be held from 30 October to 4 November 2010 in Foam_Fotografiemuseum, Amsterdam. The 12 participants were selected among 162 candidates who had been nominated to submit their portfolios. During the six-day masterclass meeting, the participating photographers will interact with six prominent experts, discussing technical, journalistic and ethical aspects of their work.

In preparation for the meeting, the participants will execute a photo essay on one single theme, which for this year is: "Persistence". The essays will be discussed during sessions with the masters and edited into a publication.

The Joop Swart Masterclass has been organized by World Press Photo every year since 1994. Its goal is to bring together some of the most experienced individuals in photojournalism with 12 young, promising photographers so that they can share and pass on their knowledge and experience. From the beginning of the program, a total of 187 young photographers have participated in the program, many of them moving on to establish themselves as today’s leading photojournalists.

The Joop Swart Masterclass is supported by Delta Lloyd Group, Stichting Democratie en Media and Canon, who provides all participants with a grant. World Press Photo receives support from the Dutch Postcode Lottery and is sponsored worldwide by Canon and TNT.